The Salvage Symphony

The Salvage Symphony is a three-year Shared Island Initiative funded by Creative Ireland, bringing together music communities in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and Ballymena, Co. Antrim, through a shared love of music and a commitment to sustainability.

A collaboration of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, Rockwell Academy of Music, Ballymena Chamber Orchestra and Ballymena Community Choir, the project explores how unwanted musical instruments can be repurposed into innovative performance spaces and props, giving new life to materials while creating opportunities for shared musical experiences.

Suzanne Buttimer, Project Manager of The Salvage Symphony and Artistic Director of Rockwell Academy of Music, explains: “‘The Salvage Symphony Project’ champions sustainability by repurposing musical instruments, connecting likeminded music communities in Antrim and Tipperary. Together, I hope we’ll create innovative features that enhance and enable performance spaces, giving new life to the materials and places in our communities.”

Through workshops, creative collaboration and shared performances, the project aims to strengthen connections between the two communities and create lasting opportunities for cultural exchange. Following the initial 3-day visit of 14 musicians and choir members from Clonmel to Ballymena, County Antrim in October 2026, the project will continue to develop in 2027, with the creation of new performance spaces and a visit to Clonmel by Ballymena musicians and community choir.

As Rebecca Lenehan, Artistic Director of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, reflects: “Community engagement is a particular emphasis of the festival, but it felt particularly important what we are doing and the opportunities we are giving and being given to connect people through a shared love of music and interest in salvage.”

Funded as part of the Shared Island Initiative by Creative Ireland.

Rebecca Lenehan, Louise Moyles, Barrie Peterson, Bea Conner-Peterson, Fidelma Nugent, Paul Hayes, Helen Hartigan Heaney, Rhoda Kinsella and Suzanne Buttimer of ‘The Salvage Symphony’ project visit the Peace Wall in Northern Ireland. Photography by Bearfoot Productions.